By joining forces, Baykar and Leonardo are opening a new page in unmanned technologies. “LBA Systems”, founded by the two technology giants with a 50% partnership and headquartered in Italy, will focus on all processes from design to development, production to maintenance of unmanned aerial systems. LBA Systems aims to play a key role in the sector by bringing together the industrial know-how and synergy of the two companies.
Baykar and Leonardo, who attended the Paris Air Show, announced the establishment of a joint venture to develop unmanned technology. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in Rome at the beginning of March.
NEW JOINT VENTURE: LBA SYSTEMS
Baykar and Leonardo will be 50/50 partners in the new company, named LBA Systems. The legal and operational headquarters of the venture will be in Italy. Drawing on the strong industrial synergy of the two companies, LBA Systems will focus on the design, development, production and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems.
“A STRATEGIC STEP TO STRENGTHEN GLOBAL LEADING”
Baykar Chairman and Technology Leader Selçuk Bayraktar made the following statement regarding the new joint venture: “As Baykar, we have always believed that the future of aviation and space depends on bold ideas and innovations that transcend boundaries. As the world’s leading UAV developer and exporter, we have transformed this belief into reality in the field. This partnership we have established with Leonardo, which has world-wide expertise in C4I (Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence) systems and aviation capabilities compatible with ours, will not only be a collaboration but also a catalyst for developments that will shape the future. Together, we are building new generation unmanned systems that are not only smart and mission-ready, but also based on ethical foundations and interoperability. In an increasingly complex world, this alliance will play a decisive role in establishing the AI-supported global security that the future requires. This partnership is part of Baykar’s long-term strategy that reflects its goal of deepening international collaborations and further strengthening its global leadership in the field of highly effective autonomous defense technologies.”
“KEY PLAYER IN UNMANNED TECHNOLOGIES”
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani said: “Today, we are signing a new international strategic alliance that will create a key player in the field of unmanned technologies. We strongly believe that technological cooperation is a powerful tool to meet the unprecedented challenges facing the defense sector. The integration of Leonardo’s certification and integrated multi-dimensional technology experience with Baykar’s world-class unmanned platforms will provide a truly meaningful momentum to seize opportunities not only in Europe but also on a global scale. We continue to implement our industrial plan with determination and focus on opening up to international markets with the aim of making Leonardo a major player in global security.”
STRATEGIC TASK DISTRIBUTION
Baykar, which has a wide product range covering all relevant segments of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems, will focus on the design and development of advanced unmanned platforms in this collaboration. Leonardo will supply advanced electronic systems and payloads, and will implement manned-unmanned platform cooperation (MUM-T) and swarm capabilities. It will also conduct qualification and certification activities.
TARGET: EUROPE AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
With the work of the Joint Venture, Baykar and Leonardo aim to jointly evaluate opportunities in European and international markets. The two companies also agreed to explore new areas that will further advance their collaboration. These potential collaborations cover a wide range of areas, from commercial partnerships covering the parties’ existing platforms to joint projects to be developed within multi-dimensional digital ecosystems.
TECHNOLOGY AND R&D BASES IN ITALY
Leonardo facilities included in the project will include Ronchi dei Legionari, the centre of excellence for the unmanned systems sector; Turin, where engineering and certification activities will be carried out; Rome Tiburtina, where integrated multi-dimensional technologies will be developed; and Grottaglie, for the production of advanced composite materials.
